Nearest 3 mile climb?

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6 replies [Last post]
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

I am looking for a climb of at least 3 miles and at least 6% average without intermediate descents. There are certainly steeper ones in the Catskills, but they are all about 2 miles. Perkins would be perfect if it were just a bit longer. Any thoughts?

Anonymous's picture
<a href="http://www.OhReallyOreilly.com">Peter O'Reilly</a> (not verified)
Perkins, plus - keep going

Start at the base of Bear Mtn the turn off of Rte 9W - the southern, east entrance to the park. From there to the start of Perkins is another 2 miles.

Anonymous's picture
Chris T (not verified)
Perkins Drive has a gate

Perkins Drive to the summit has not opened to vehicular Traffic yet this year -- it is supposed to open April 15th. Even after, the gate remains closed between dusk and dawn. One can go around the gate with a bike, but you must dismount. Sometimes we find the gate closed for no obvious reason.

And Perkins should be decended S-L-O-W-L-Y. We have not heard about the pothole sizes created by this winter's snow and cold.

Anonymous's picture
John Z (not verified)
Bear Mountain Stats

From the intersection of 9W and Seven Lakes Drive to Bear Mountain's summit via Perkins Drive the vertical gain is about 1270 feet over a distance of 4.5 miles, for an average gradiant of about 5.3%. The Perkins section is 2 miles, 6.3% average grade, while the Seven Lakes section is 2.5 miles, 4.5% average grade. The are no significant sections of negative grade and equally important, the climb can be done nonstop.

Anonymous's picture
Jay (not verified)
Perkins, Storm King & New Paltz

If you have an accident while cycling solo on Perkins on the non maintained officially closed road you (or your body) may be there for quite some time until another hiker or cyclist comes.

I am not absolutely sure but I think going North from West Point on 9W (Storm King) or S towards West Point will fit the bill...also what about Mohonk/New Paltz?

Anonymous's picture
John Z (not verified)
More Info

"The Storm King climb on 9W ""fits the bill"" but traffic on this section of 9W moves very fast. I do this climb about twice a year (the second to last A-Classic STS ride goes over it) and hate every second of the climb, due to the fast moving traffic. There are, however, spectacular views.

As for other options, the climb on 301 out of Cold Spring should also be considered. Route 55/44 from west to east through Minneswaska park offers a 5 mile climb of about 4% average grade with spectacular views. Many consider South Gully Road, off of Route 52 in Ellenville is the area's most difficult climb.

I still recommend Bear Mountain. Perkins, even with the gate closed sees significant hiker traffic. In the unlikely event you were injured during a descent, help would soon be upon you. I climb Bear Mountain many time a year, and feel it is overall a safer option than some other climbs, provided you take care on the descent. Bear Mountain is also easily accessable -- the time you spend traveling to the Catskills could be spent training. I like to take the train to Garrison, ride over to Bear Mountain, do 3-4 climbs, then ride the back roads home at a fast pace. However, if you are looking to get away for an entire day, you can't beat the Catskills and the Shawangunks."

Anonymous's picture
DC (not verified)

Yes, New Paltz seems the better option. It would appear that Woodstock area climbs may be sketchy due to forecasts of possible snow Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday night. Doh! May spring be upon us soon!

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